Destination Putrajaya

It’s the new kid on the block for Ironman Asia Pacific, in a remarkable country which is a mix of the modern world, a rich heritage of the past and the energy of a fast developing nation ... TIME IRONMAN 70.3 Putrajaya in Malaysia.

Malaysia, a magical mix of tradition, beauty and new world

1. Where is it?

Putrajaya City is just 32kms (around 20 miles) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport which hosts more than 50 airlines linking directly to Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East – with direct flights to all Australian cities and New Zealand.
Putrajaya is easily accessible by bus, taxi and train. Putrajaya is the administrative centre, a new city that proudly represents modern Malaysia, which is reflected in its impressive architecture, bridges and roadways that surround this ‘intelligent’ garden city.

2. How to get to Putrajaya (for the international & domestic traveller)

Airports

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
This is the ninth biggest airport in the world with more than 50 airlines accessing KLIA. The Satellite Terminal handles most international flights with the Main Terminal accommodating most domestic flights and international flights routed to other Malaysian hubs, with budget carriers operating from the Low-Cost Carrier Terminal.

For international athletes travelling to Malaysia, there are a multitude of international airlines that fly directly into Kuala Lumpur’s International Airport (KLIA). For the budget conscious Air Asia’s hub (LCCT) is a short distance away. Both airports are approximately 30kms from Putrajaya.

National Carrier:
Malaysian Airlines - Economy class passengers are allowed 30kg max luggage. A bike box can be classed as normal check in luggage so long as it does not exceed 1.57m (62 inches).

Low Cost Carrier:
Air Asia & Air Asia X*
*Bikes are classed as sports equipment and an additional fee is charged for checking in a bike box.

TRAIN from Kuala Lumpur
There is a train directly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Putrajaya Sentral, operated by KLIA Transit. Trains run every 30 minutes and take just 17 minutes to reach Putrajaya.
The one way train fare is around RM9.50 and RM4.50 for adult and child respectively. Ticket can be purchased at the lobby of KL Sentral station.
(NOTE: Currency unit is the ringgit with approx 3.3 to the US Dollar, 3 to the Aus Dollar, 4.5 to the Euro).

BUS from Kuala Lumpur:
If you prefer scenic views and landscapes, bus is a good option if you have time up your sleeve. The bus service E1 is operated by Rapid KL to and from Pasar seni (LRT station) to Putrajaya Sentral. This bus passes through KL Sentral station off Jalan Tun Sambanthan Street.

(Note: Bus stops around KL Sentral are difficult to find as different services arrive and depart from different locations around KL Sentral.)
One way bus fare about RM3.80. Exact fare must be paid on the bus or a Touch N Go card can be used to pay the bus fares. (Touch N Go is a pre-paid card that can be used on some trains, buses and also attractions and retail and can be purchased online).

3. Climate

Temperatures in Putrajaya reaches a high of 33°C during the day and drops to 24°C at night. The humidity level in Putrajaya is about 75 percent. However, it is during the months from March to September, the weather is on the dry and warm side.

4. The Course

Swim:
The one-lap swim is in the man-made, sheltered canal of Putrajaya Lake. The iconic Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Mosque, or commonly known as the Iron Mosque, will be the perfect backdrop for swimmers to complete the out and back course. Key vantage points around the lake will allow spectators a fantastic opportunity to support. It will be a non-wetsuit swim.

Bike:
The winding road network will leave cyclists in awe as they complete the two-lap bike course. Riders leave transition and the central island using the beautifully engineered Seri Wawasan Bridge. The course heads to the southern turnaround onto Labuh Sentosa, before retuning north and encircling the main island using a series of motorway over and under passes. Athletes will return to the island via the main road, Persiaran Perdana, passing the Istana Kehakiman and Iron Mosque landmarks.
Smooth road surfaces will see fast times.

Run:
The two-lap run encapsulates the best of Putrajaya including its natural landscapes and modern architecture. The course heads north from transition past the Putrajaya Wetland Park via with athletes returning to the venue precinct after encircling the island.

5. Top things to do while in Putrajaya

Putrajaya City:
The centrepiece of this garden city is a 650-hectare man-made lake. Putrajaya Water Sports complex offers an array of activities for the enthusiast from wake boarding, water skiing and even dragon boating.

If this all sounds a little too energetic you could board a boat for an air-conditioned ‘tasik’ (lake) cruise to take in all the sights. Cruise Tasik Putrajaya also offers a "Dining Experience with a Difference" aboard DAUN, its luxury dining cruise boat.
Taman Warisan Pertanian takes you back to the sights and flavours of Malaysia in the Agriculture Heritage Park. Here you can stroll at leisure through the park and take in the exotic fruit orchid where you will meet the King of Fruits, trek the herbs and spices trail or simply relax and take it all in from the viewing deck.
Taman Botani is a garden of tranquility. A beautiful place for appreciating the local flora and fauna, there are bikes for rent if walking or jogging doesn’t appeal. Don’t forget to check out the Moroccan Pavilion and if the heat gets too much a lakeside restaurant provides a rest stop with a view.

If you are feeling energetic and in need of a shopping and sightseeing fix, Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur is close by. Head down to ‘KL’ and take in the iconic Twin Towers and then quench your retail needs at the KLCC shopping centre that sits afoot of the Towers.

6. Top sights around Malaysia

About Malaysia:
To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia - a bubbling, bustling melting-pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. The multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and socialising. As a people, Malaysians are very relaxed, warm and friendly.
Geographically, Malaysia is almost as diverse as its culture. There are 11 states and two federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) that form Peninsular Malaysia which is separated by the South China Sea from East Malaysia which includes the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo) and a third federal territory, the island of Labuan.

Here are some of the must-see sights of Malaysia:

TheCameron Highlandsis one of Malaysia’s most extensive hill stations, first developed by the British in the 1920s. It has a population of more than 34,000 people consisting of Malays, Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups. The Cameron Highlands is renowned for its trails. They lead visitors through the forest to waterfalls and other tranquil spots.

Named after Britain’s King George III, Georgetown is located on the north-east corner of Penang Island. Most of George Town’s population is of Chinese origin and many of the colonial-era shophouses are protected and still open for business - which at night the street eateries and entertainment are renowned. It is officially recognized as having a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in Southeast Asia.

Taman Negara, which literally means “national park” in Malay, is one of the oldest tropical rain forests in the world. It features massive trees, waterfalls, jungle treks of various duration and the world’s longest canopy walkways. Several trails enable the visitor to explore the forest without a guide. Taman Negara is a haven for endangered species such as the Asian elephant, tigers, leopards and rhinos although more likely to see birds, deer, lizards, snakes and perhaps a tapir.

Tioman is a small island off the east coast. The island is surrounded by numerous white coral reefs, making it a haven for scuba divers while the interior is densely forested.

With a summit height at 4,095m (13,435 ft), Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Borneo. The mountain is known worldwide for its tremendous botanical and biological species biodiversity. Over 600 species of ferns, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammalian species have been identified at Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding. The main peak of the mountain can be climbed easily.

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur are the tallest twin buildings in the world. The 88-floor towers are constructed largely of reinforced concrete, with a steel and glass facade designed to resemble motifs found in Islamic art, a reflection of Malaysia’s Muslim religion. The Petronas Twin Towers feature a sky bridge between the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors.

Malaysia’s best-known holiday destination, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. The largest is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of about 65,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Fringed with long, white beaches and with an interior of jungle covered hills and craggy mountain peaks, it’s easy to see why this is Malaysia’s most heavily promoted tourist destination.

The Perhentian Islands, off the coast of northeastern Malaysia, are the must-go place for budget travellers. They have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and great diving with plenty of cheap accommodation.

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation opened in 1964 for rescued orphaned baby orangutans from logging sites, plantations and illegal hunting. The orphaned orangutans are trained to survive again in the wild and are released as soon as they are ready. The Orang Utan sanctuary is located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, much of which is virgin rainforest.

The Mulu Caves are located in the Gunung Mulu National Park in Malaysian Borneo. The park encompasses incredible caves and karst formations in a mountainous equatorial rainforest setting. The Sarawak chamber found in one of the underground caves is the largest cave chamber in the world. It has been said that the chamber is so big that it could accommodate about 40 Boeing 747s, without overlapping their wings.

7. How to get around?

Malaysia has well developed transport networks and efficient rail links. Its international ports and airports are well connected to bus and train services, making travel to, from and around the country easy and efficient.

Most domestic transport in Malaysia is comfortable and reasonably priced, with air travel the most expensive. It is advisable to book domestic transport well in advance during the main festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Pusa and Hari Raya Haji. Domestic flights and domestic express bus services are often sold out weeks before these festivals.

Transportation in larger cities is good with many different means of transport. In Kuala Lumpur, for example, there are buses, minibuses (bas-mini), taxis, pedicabs (trishaws), as well as trains.